Ketchum PRISM Fellowship 2026: Paid PR Research Opportunity for Grad Students
Are you a graduate student eager to launch a career in public relations? The Ketchum PRISM Fellowship 2026 provides a top chance to gain real-world skills, get paid, and even publish your research. This eight-week summer program runs from mid-June to mid-August and ends applications on April 17, 2026. It connects classroom learning with actual PR work at a leading agency.
What Is the Ketchum PRISM Fellowship?
The Ketchum PRISM Fellowship for Excellence in Public Relations Research, Insights, Strategy, and Measurement targets graduate students in public relations, communications, business, or similar fields. Ketchum Analytics runs it with the Institute for Public Relations. The goal is to link academic research to everyday PR tasks.
Fellows work in person at Ketchum offices in New York City, Chicago, or Dallas. They join the Analytics and Strategy teams on client projects. Each fellow also writes a research paper using new tools and ideas. That paper targets PR pros and could appear on the Institute for Public Relations site.
The program lasts eight weeks with about 40 hours per week. It pays $22 per hour. Post-docs can apply too.
Key Benefits for Participants
This fellowship packs multiple rewards. You earn money while building skills in analytics, strategy, and research. Hands-on work with pros exposes you to agency life and real projects.
A $2,500 grant comes if your paper gets accepted. You gain industry notice, like attending the IPR Annual Awards Gala in New York City. Networking with top PR experts opens doors. Publishing boosts your resume and helps you stand out in job hunts.
These perks suit those eyeing roles in PR, communications strategy, or data analysis.
Why Pursue This Fellowship Now?
Public relations has changed with data’s rise. Firms need research to know audiences, check campaigns, and guide choices. The Ketchum PRISM Fellowship trains you for this world. It mixes agency tasks with research to create useful insights.
In a tough job market, this sets you apart. You gain credibility, contacts, and proof of your skills. Early thought leadership helps long-term career growth.
Who Can Apply?
Check these requirements for the Ketchum PRISM Fellowship 2026:
- Graduate student in Master’s or PhD program for PR, communications, business, or related research area.
- Finished at least one year of grad study.
- Strong English skills in writing and speaking.
- Able to work in person at least three days a week in New York City, Chicago, or Dallas.
- Free for 40 hours weekly in summer.
Show passion for PR research, measurement, and strategy. Explain complex ideas simply.
Application Steps and Timeline
Submit these by April 17, 2026:
- Statement of interest: Tell why you’re a good fit.
- Research prospectus: Up to 1,000 words on your topic.
- Resume: List school, research, or work experience.
A panel of researchers and pros reviews entries. Top picks get interviews with Ketchum. The fellowship starts mid-June to mid-August 2026. Final paper due November 10, 2026.
Visit the official site for details and to apply.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Ketchum PRISM Fellowship?
It is an eight-week summer program for graduate students to gain hands-on PR research, insights, strategy, and measurement skills at Ketchum offices in New York City, Chicago, or Dallas.
Who can apply for the fellowship?
Graduate students in PR, communications, business, or related fields who have completed at least one year of study, have strong English skills, and can work in person 40 hours per week.
What benefits does the fellowship offer?
Fellows earn $22 per hour, work on real client projects, network with PR experts, and may publish a research paper with a $2,500 grant if accepted.
How do I apply and what is the deadline?
Submit a statement of interest, research prospectus up to 1,000 words, and resume by April 17, 2026, through the official Institute for Public Relations site.